Mumps is spread from an infected person through coughing, sneezing or contact with saliva.

Early symptoms, including fever, headache, muscle aches and fatigue, begin 16 to 18 days after exposure. Symptoms are similar to the flu, but swelling of the cheek and jaw area can be a classic symptom of mumps.

An email alert went out to the campus community early Thursday notifying everyone that a case of mumps has been confirmed.

The email encouraged students to check their records to make sure they have been vaccinated.

“In a few short weeks, since most of our students are from Wisconsin and will be dispersing home for the holidays across the state, we just want to make sure they're very educated and aware about the mumps,” UW-Milwaukee Health Officer Dr. Julie Bonner said.

Anyone with a suspected case of mumps should remain home from work or school for five days.

Students can get vaccinated at no cost from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 9 at the Union Fireside Lounge.

Anyone on the UWM campus with questions can call the Norris Health Center at 414-229-4716.